This Havant man has improved the lives of countless young people - now he needs your help
“Lewis needs to be back amongst his own things and have access to his medical equipment.”
A man who has spent his life helping others is now in need of support, after he and his mother found their world turned upside down.
Lewis Hine, 25 from Havant, founded A World With Friends a decade ago, helping to connect children and young people with chronic illnesses and disabilities. He set up the charity when he was 14 years old, while recovering in hospital from a brain tumour.
Since then, the charity has gone from strength to strength, even hosting annual proms in Portsmouth for these young people to meet each other in person.
Lewis’ neurological condition is life-limiting, and he needs medical equipment around him at all times - as well as access to a wheelchair. But after recently having to leave their home of more than 20 years, Lewis and his mother, Emma Hine, are in a dire position without safe or suitable accommodation.
Now, Emma has launched a GoFundMe page in the hopes of getting her and her son back on their feet.
She said: “We had to leave the home Lewis had known for more than 20 years and move into rented accommodation. We thought it would be somewhere we could finally breathe, settle and work out what came next.
“Instead, when we moved our belongings in, we discovered significant problems with the condition of the property, including severe and persistent smells. Rather than settling into our new home, Lewis and I ended up living in a hotel while most of our belongings and his medical equipment remained at the house.
“I've stood crying in that hotel reception more times than I want to count, completely exhausted and wondering what on Earth I'm supposed to do next.”
Emma says that the landlord and letting agent are working with her to sort out the problems they face - including paying for hotel accommodation while work has been ongoing.
The pair moved back into their new house earlier this week, after carpets were changed and animal faeces was removed from the property. However, Emma has since found both a bucket with “horrible stuff” inside, a tooth on the floor, and a persistent smell that has lingered despite cleaning being done.
She said: “Lewis needs to be back amongst his own things and have access to his medical equipment. We are going to make the best of things while the remaining problem is investigated.
“As Lewis's mum, I feel so guilty. I feel like I have let him down. It's my job to keep him safe and give him the stability he needs, and I have reached the point where I have to swallow my pride and admit that right now, I need some help.”
At the time of publication, Emma’s fundraising page has raised more than £3,100, with a target of £4,500. The money will go towards making their new home a safe and appropriate place for Lewis to live going forward.
Emma added: “I don't expect anyone to donate. Simply sharing our story or offering practical help means more than you probably realise.
“Right now, I just want to put the kettle on, close the front door and know that we are safe and home.”
To donate to the fundraiser, click this link.